Tennis players criticize AI technology used by Wimbledon

Wimbledon introduced an AI-powered electronic line calling system (ELC) this year, replacing human line judges for the first time. However, several players have criticized the technology for making incorrect calls that affected match outcomes. British players Emma Raducanu and Jack Draper notably questioned the system's accuracy, with Raducanu highlighting a missed out call and Draper expressing doubts about the AI being "100 percent accurate." Other issues included the system nearly shutting down due to dimming sunlight during Ben Shelton’s match and difficulties for a deaf player who relied on human hand signals to follow points. A significant malfunction occurred during a match between Sonay Kartal and Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova when the AI failed to detect an out ball, forcing the umpire to intervene and replay the point. Wimbledon later apologized, citing a "human error" that accidentally turned off the technology. Despite the criticism, Debbie Jevans, chair of the All England Club, defended the move to AI line calling, noting